Drawing on Imagination: Picturing a Future 'Battlestar Galactica'
Eric Chu speculates on what a new Larson/Singer version might look like
By Eric Chu | Saturday, September 5, 2009
This month we are tackling something that has been a hot topic of debate once again: Battlestar Galactica. Recently it was announced that producer and Galactica creator Glen Larson was teaming with A-list director Bryan Singer to bring Battlestar Galactica to the big screen. The new feature, though, will be based on the premise of the original '70s TV series, as opposed to Ron Moore's critically-acclaimed re-imagined series that recently completed its run on Syfy Channel.
The paintings further down this page are an interpretation of how a Larson/Singer Galactica could look.
When I first wrote Battlestar Galactica De-Imagined...?, it became apparent from the feedback that there are still passionate members of the fan community on both pro-original series and pro-re-imagining sides. However, the overwhelming majority of people agreed that, regardless of the direction...the original cheese had to go.
Many of you know me as the designer responsible for the look of much of the hardware in Ron Moore's Syfy series, but what you may not realize is that many of the radical design changes were borne out of the circumstances of the time. It may interest you to know that many of my first attempts were updates on the look established in the original series. However, that approach had to be rethought as Syfy handed down its mandate: jettison any visual connection to the original show.
Whether Larson and Singer are planning a remake or a continuation, there is no doubt that the feature will draw very closely from the Battlestar Galactica so many of us grew up with. Design-wise, this presents a unique challenge (as I found out from my first attempt at updating a beloved property in Drawing on Imagination: 'UFO - The Movie' Concept Art): how does one maintain the look and feel of the original without being beholden to it? A few cosmetic changes here and there might be fine for some, but insufficient for those who are accustomed to the kind of sophistication that digital technology now affords us.On such a project, the concept designer is asked to take into account the legacy that has come before when coming up with sketches. It is very easy — but creatively stifling — to simply do a superficial touch-up, yet a radical departure would alienate those who maintain a nostalgic attachment to the original. The trick is to find the "essence" of the design, those elements that identify the original and rework it so that the new version still subconsciously evokes the past while being a believable evolution of it.
The trick is to find the 'essence' of the design, those elements that identify the original and rework it so that the new version still subconsciously evokes the past, while being a believable evolution of it.
In the case of the Cylons, it is relatively easy to distill the basic feature unique to its design: the red scanning eye. Everybody knows that one. However, I still kept some hint of Centurion armor and the grilled mouthpiece in the painting you see below. And as you can also see, the Vipers still maintain the same basic dart-like shape, however, everything has been swept back for a "faster" look. The markings remain largely unchanged as they are an important identifying feature.
At one time I did a sketch of the Galactica for Moore's mini-series that closely resembles this new update. The basic alligator shape was still present but the rear strut arced over the body as opposed to being attached to its side. This gave the impression of shoulders that are hunched over, ready to attack... a more aggressive feel akin to some contemporary stealth and VTOL aircraft with which you might be familiar (actually, it would have made a terrific Pegasus too!).
The Raider was always a difficult nut to crack in the mini-series, but this time around, I returned to the disc-like shape and kept the black grill feature—although now it does not serve as a canopy, which never made sense in the original series. (Perhaps that was the one fatal flaw in their design that made the Cylons such ineffective pilots... See? Design IS important!)
Lastly, I took one aspect of the show that was closely identified with its cheese factor and threw in my own twist. I envision using state-of-the-art audio-animatronics rather than a monkey in a suit this time. Still cuddly, IMHO.
Enjoy...
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(13 Comments)
Thanks!
Posted by Eric Chu on September 21st, 5:34pm
Thanks for all the kind words, and opinions, everybody.
Brian, please read my post (second from the bottom) re: the circumstances regarding the Galactica. It was not a joke. Just a victim of the situation at the time. We all did the best we could.
Secondly, this article and series of paintings are just my fantasy. I do not know what the producers are planning and for all I know they are pulling the old model out of storage. As i stated in an earlier post, this is just for fun. If I stuck only to the original designs, there would be no need for this article at all.
Mal, the Cylon Basestar... I quite liked the look in the original series, but it does have one minor flaw and that is the center hub seems to be a weak point for all that spinning it does. A well-aimed nuke, and it would split in two, no? That said, I don't necessarily want to beef it up or it would lose its distinctive shape. However, I am guilty of keeping that flaw in my re-imagined design too.
Brian, please read my post (second from the bottom) re: the circumstances regarding the Galactica. It was not a joke. Just a victim of the situation at the time. We all did the best we could.
Secondly, this article and series of paintings are just my fantasy. I do not know what the producers are planning and for all I know they are pulling the old model out of storage. As i stated in an earlier post, this is just for fun. If I stuck only to the original designs, there would be no need for this article at all.
Mal, the Cylon Basestar... I quite liked the look in the original series, but it does have one minor flaw and that is the center hub seems to be a weak point for all that spinning it does. A well-aimed nuke, and it would split in two, no? That said, I don't necessarily want to beef it up or it would lose its distinctive shape. However, I am guilty of keeping that flaw in my re-imagined design too.
Excellent
Posted by Russ on September 17th, 10:50pm
I love the design of the viper and raider. I am blown away by your designs and love the style you use. Keep up the good work.
Why change?
Posted by Brian Dehner on September 16th, 6:28pm
The Galactica and the Vipers from the original series have inspired countless artists and modelers with their classic designs.
I understand the need to update and be creative when there is a new movie or series, but come on! The fans want to see the originals.
I hope that when another incarnation of BSG comes out, the powers that be will pay attention to the fact that we actually LIKE the original designs - they do not need to be modified.
I like some of the new Viper and Raider designs - but making Galactica look like it did for the last series was a frakkin joke.
Sorry
I understand the need to update and be creative when there is a new movie or series, but come on! The fans want to see the originals.
I hope that when another incarnation of BSG comes out, the powers that be will pay attention to the fact that we actually LIKE the original designs - they do not need to be modified.
I like some of the new Viper and Raider designs - but making Galactica look like it did for the last series was a frakkin joke.
Sorry
Looking Good!
Posted by Mal on September 15th, 4:50pm
Hey Eric-
Finally get to see the paintings! I like your ideas with the Viper, Raider and even the Centurian... though, I think you could have pushed that design a bit further! ;)
What about the Cylon Basestar? You must have ideas on that!
As for the BigG herself, as with many others, it is not working for me. I don't know if it is because the scale feels off, or what. I would be curious to hear the reasons you decided on those design decisions though.
Finally get to see the paintings! I like your ideas with the Viper, Raider and even the Centurian... though, I think you could have pushed that design a bit further! ;)
What about the Cylon Basestar? You must have ideas on that!
As for the BigG herself, as with many others, it is not working for me. I don't know if it is because the scale feels off, or what. I would be curious to hear the reasons you decided on those design decisions though.
Nothing New Orbiting the Sun
Posted by Clint on September 14th, 3:55pm
I pretty much loved every example of design in the Moore universe. I thought Galactica was simple, somehow bulky yet elegant, as you can imagine this type of ship would be.
I have to say, I don't really care for your imagined Singer concepts. They're interesting, yes, but in way that almost suggests '80s anime to me, and I never really cared for '80s anime. That's a personal preference thing, though ... purely subjective. On the other hand, I agree with the poster who suggests this Galactica looks a little too much like Babylon 5's White Star. I kind of think this is what we'd get if the White Star had babies with a Next Generation-era Romulan warbird.
I have to say, I don't really care for your imagined Singer concepts. They're interesting, yes, but in way that almost suggests '80s anime to me, and I never really cared for '80s anime. That's a personal preference thing, though ... purely subjective. On the other hand, I agree with the poster who suggests this Galactica looks a little too much like Babylon 5's White Star. I kind of think this is what we'd get if the White Star had babies with a Next Generation-era Romulan warbird.
A different point of view.
Posted by Eric Chu on September 13th, 1:01pm
Hi Everybody,
Interesting batch of feedback, but I just want to clear up a few things....
First, I am NOT working on the new Singer/Larson feature. I am doing these designs for my own enjoyment, as well, I hope, as yours.
Second, I do respect your right to have an opinion, but please understand, these are the designs that I would do if I had my way. So, for those of you who say I should be doing it this way or that, well, that's like saying I should be taller or should have red hair. This is my version, and I am entitled to it as you are entitled to your version.
And lastly, I know many of you prefer the designs from the original, but if that was the case, then there would be no need for this article. The point of DOI is to imagine what could be, and take a few chances. I am just offering a different view, for better or worse.
Please take it in the spirit it was intended and enjoy.
Interesting batch of feedback, but I just want to clear up a few things....
First, I am NOT working on the new Singer/Larson feature. I am doing these designs for my own enjoyment, as well, I hope, as yours.
Second, I do respect your right to have an opinion, but please understand, these are the designs that I would do if I had my way. So, for those of you who say I should be doing it this way or that, well, that's like saying I should be taller or should have red hair. This is my version, and I am entitled to it as you are entitled to your version.
And lastly, I know many of you prefer the designs from the original, but if that was the case, then there would be no need for this article. The point of DOI is to imagine what could be, and take a few chances. I am just offering a different view, for better or worse.
Please take it in the spirit it was intended and enjoy.
Interesting..................
Posted by pa_fan on September 13th, 10:02am
In designing a new Galactica again, I would take the one from TOS and do the same as with the vipers from the RDM series-make it sleeker and smooth out the rough edges. In both versions of BSG, the Pegasus from RDM was my favorite design. It harkened back to the original Galactica.
I think the centurions you show above go a little too far from the original design. And the raiders really need to go back to the wedge like shape.
Although I very much enjoyed RDMs BSG, I am ready for something closer to the TOS. And please-NO humanoid Cylons!
I think the centurions you show above go a little too far from the original design. And the raiders really need to go back to the wedge like shape.
Although I very much enjoyed RDMs BSG, I am ready for something closer to the TOS. And please-NO humanoid Cylons!
So you're the one...
Posted by Chris on September 12th, 2:19pm
Hmm. Interesting article. Though I do notice a few things in your updated designs, both here and what was used for Moore's show. Notably...your Galactica redesign here looks rather suspiciously similar to the White Star from Babylon 5. And, as you've probably heard from many, *many* fans over the years, the Raider design you did for Moore is entirely too close a cousin to the Kilrathi fighters from the Wing Commander game series. Frankly, I'd have been interested in seeing a hybrid of the upgraded Raider her with the 'face and missle' concepts you were trying to do for Moore--but, from the way you're describing things, those choices weren't entirely under your control due to SyFy management silliness (which is an argument for an entirely different forum. :-) )
I like the DeSanto/Singer version of the Viper you show here--the Mark II you did for Moore just looks squashed, and the VII...blech. The 'artist's renditions' Vipers in the pictures here aren't much better--though the underbody fin is interesting. Neither of your versions of the Galactica appeal at all, though. As I said, the one here looks too much like another ship, and the one that Moore did use...is an almost-but-not-quite, when you can get away from the 'Ribbed for the Cylon's pleasure' aspect. :-/ And I'm presuming the whole 'Jack' shape for the Moore's version of the Basestar was the same SyFy pressure.
I like the DeSanto/Singer version of the Viper you show here--the Mark II you did for Moore just looks squashed, and the VII...blech. The 'artist's renditions' Vipers in the pictures here aren't much better--though the underbody fin is interesting. Neither of your versions of the Galactica appeal at all, though. As I said, the one here looks too much like another ship, and the one that Moore did use...is an almost-but-not-quite, when you can get away from the 'Ribbed for the Cylon's pleasure' aspect. :-/ And I'm presuming the whole 'Jack' shape for the Moore's version of the Basestar was the same SyFy pressure.
Where is my Giant Daggit?
Posted by Sean Meaney on September 12th, 5:13am
Its no good...I am still protesting over the fact i dont have a Giant Daggit. And Now my previous post has vanished.
My Complaints regarding Moores BSG
1. Kara Thrace was exibiting all the symptoms of Exposure to a Black Hole. Black Holes expand forward and backward through time from point of origin as Change in Possibility. Some unidentified 'superpower' had black hole weapons.
2. Black Hole + Nuclear Munitions guy = no nuclear munitions or guy (having been wiped from existance).
3. They needed the Cylon Raider flying wing with no 'head' and a red eye along the entire leading edge of the crescent wing. So a 'string' as a circle where the leading wing edge is the tangent. Circle then shrinks to zero radius and (conforming to A/0=NOT A rule) Pi=C/D becomes Pi=C/0 (or NOT C: a circumference in another universe). Black Hole.
My Complaints regarding Moores BSG
1. Kara Thrace was exibiting all the symptoms of Exposure to a Black Hole. Black Holes expand forward and backward through time from point of origin as Change in Possibility. Some unidentified 'superpower' had black hole weapons.
2. Black Hole + Nuclear Munitions guy = no nuclear munitions or guy (having been wiped from existance).
3. They needed the Cylon Raider flying wing with no 'head' and a red eye along the entire leading edge of the crescent wing. So a 'string' as a circle where the leading wing edge is the tangent. Circle then shrinks to zero radius and (conforming to A/0=NOT A rule) Pi=C/D becomes Pi=C/0 (or NOT C: a circumference in another universe). Black Hole.
Islam = BSG -------SO SAY WE ALL !
Posted by HotConflict on September 8th, 6:23pm
One of the best shows ever made. Track the Ascension of Kara Thrace as she follows the changing SUNS. Who are the cylons? Earth the LOST 13th home planet. What does Islam have to say about our long lost FAMILY.
http://www.hotconflict.com/blog/2007/11/battlestar-gala.html
http://www.hotconflict.com/blog/2007/11/battlestar-gala.html
Under the circumstances...
Posted by Eric Chu on September 7th, 10:04am
Hello GalacticaFan,
I do agree with many of your points, however, I should point out that in the case of the mini-series (and this holds true to many productions), that the final designs are not solely the work of the designer. In most cases the designs are subject to many outside influences ranging from the needs of the script, the limitations of the production, to the personal whims of everybody from the producers, directors and everyone down the line.
In our case, SciFi wanted to distance themselves from the original show, and were quite adamant that a radical new direction in the look of the show was to be implemented before they would greenlight it.
With that in mind, the Viper was the only design that escaped with only minor alterations.
The Raider was a result of two ideas. The script had described the Raider as looking like a "squashed Cylon". Any deviation from that idea always came back to me with the request to provide a design that reflected that description. One way or another, they required a face on the Raider.
Secondly, one of the story points (which was ultimately abandoned) described a scene where the Raider would jettison its wings and the fuselage would become a nuclear missile. That meant we needed a fuselage that was essentially a long tube. Long tube.. face in front... and no matter how you slice it, it looks like Giger's alien.
Lastly, I have gotten many comments about the bulkiness of the Galactica, which I agree with. However during the design phase there was much pressure from SciFi to completely jettison the original Galactica and wanted something radically different. At the time, they were still on the fence about going ahead with the show, so we basically threw every crazy idea we had at them to see if any would stick. One of the designs was a profile view something that looked like a '50s rocketship. It was that design that the producers picked. Once the show was given the go ahead, we set about to try and model the design so that both the fans and the producers would be happy. That's why from the side, the Galactica has a rocket-like profile, but from the top, the Galactica still looks like her old self. Given the circumstances, we were lucky to get anything that resembled the original at all.
Lastly, the Cylons. The hood was a request by the FX Supervisor to reflect the script description that the Cylons were "Harbingers of Death".
As you can see, in working in the entertainment industry, the designers are rarely given full autonomy to make any decisions regarding the final look. Sometimes it fails to meet our expectations, and other times, it can be the right element to point you to a better design. However given the nature of this profession, I am quite pleased with the final outcome. Are there things I would change? Oh, absolutely. But it was a hell of an experience, and one I wouldn't have passed up for the world.
I do agree with many of your points, however, I should point out that in the case of the mini-series (and this holds true to many productions), that the final designs are not solely the work of the designer. In most cases the designs are subject to many outside influences ranging from the needs of the script, the limitations of the production, to the personal whims of everybody from the producers, directors and everyone down the line.
In our case, SciFi wanted to distance themselves from the original show, and were quite adamant that a radical new direction in the look of the show was to be implemented before they would greenlight it.
With that in mind, the Viper was the only design that escaped with only minor alterations.
The Raider was a result of two ideas. The script had described the Raider as looking like a "squashed Cylon". Any deviation from that idea always came back to me with the request to provide a design that reflected that description. One way or another, they required a face on the Raider.
Secondly, one of the story points (which was ultimately abandoned) described a scene where the Raider would jettison its wings and the fuselage would become a nuclear missile. That meant we needed a fuselage that was essentially a long tube. Long tube.. face in front... and no matter how you slice it, it looks like Giger's alien.
Lastly, I have gotten many comments about the bulkiness of the Galactica, which I agree with. However during the design phase there was much pressure from SciFi to completely jettison the original Galactica and wanted something radically different. At the time, they were still on the fence about going ahead with the show, so we basically threw every crazy idea we had at them to see if any would stick. One of the designs was a profile view something that looked like a '50s rocketship. It was that design that the producers picked. Once the show was given the go ahead, we set about to try and model the design so that both the fans and the producers would be happy. That's why from the side, the Galactica has a rocket-like profile, but from the top, the Galactica still looks like her old self. Given the circumstances, we were lucky to get anything that resembled the original at all.
Lastly, the Cylons. The hood was a request by the FX Supervisor to reflect the script description that the Cylons were "Harbingers of Death".
As you can see, in working in the entertainment industry, the designers are rarely given full autonomy to make any decisions regarding the final look. Sometimes it fails to meet our expectations, and other times, it can be the right element to point you to a better design. However given the nature of this profession, I am quite pleased with the final outcome. Are there things I would change? Oh, absolutely. But it was a hell of an experience, and one I wouldn't have passed up for the world.
Confusion
Posted by GalacticaFan on September 7th, 7:35am
Interesting Article. Eric just some feedback.
1. In Ron Moore's series, I liked how they respected the original viper design and just modified it for the new show. It looked great.
2. The cylon raider in Ron Moore's series looked strange. Adding the head in the middle of the raider was something different, unexpected. The head looked like the alien creature in the Alien movie.It didn't really look slick and classy but its a raider. I didn't really like the design but I respect the decision to have something different.
3.The design of the Battlestar Galactica in Ron Moore's series, I just didn't understand at all. The design looked really bad. The shape and curves did not look right, the design looked goofy like a toy design. What went wrong ? It's lacking detailed design, it made it ever worse with the cgi design. I looked faked. Huge stuff up with the Galactica design. If you look at the new Star Trek movie the new enterprise looks slick and classy.
4. The design of the Cylons in Ron Moore's series were great full marks. The only thing I didn't understand was the hood at the back of the neck. There was no need for that. It would have looked better without it.
"The paintings further down this page are an interpretation of how a Larson/Singer Galactica could look. "
Now this is where your creative talents are showing. When I saw the Viper/Cylon/Raider I said wow you got it, kick ass design, but you still can't get the Galactica right, the front design looks short and fat and the tail looks small and compact. The middle body of the Galactica looks great. YOU NEED A DETAILED DESIGN OF THE GALACTICA. This design of the Galactica is more slick compared to the one you designed for the Ron Moore's series.
Hope the feedback helped.
1. In Ron Moore's series, I liked how they respected the original viper design and just modified it for the new show. It looked great.
2. The cylon raider in Ron Moore's series looked strange. Adding the head in the middle of the raider was something different, unexpected. The head looked like the alien creature in the Alien movie.It didn't really look slick and classy but its a raider. I didn't really like the design but I respect the decision to have something different.
3.The design of the Battlestar Galactica in Ron Moore's series, I just didn't understand at all. The design looked really bad. The shape and curves did not look right, the design looked goofy like a toy design. What went wrong ? It's lacking detailed design, it made it ever worse with the cgi design. I looked faked. Huge stuff up with the Galactica design. If you look at the new Star Trek movie the new enterprise looks slick and classy.
4. The design of the Cylons in Ron Moore's series were great full marks. The only thing I didn't understand was the hood at the back of the neck. There was no need for that. It would have looked better without it.
"The paintings further down this page are an interpretation of how a Larson/Singer Galactica could look. "
Now this is where your creative talents are showing. When I saw the Viper/Cylon/Raider I said wow you got it, kick ass design, but you still can't get the Galactica right, the front design looks short and fat and the tail looks small and compact. The middle body of the Galactica looks great. YOU NEED A DETAILED DESIGN OF THE GALACTICA. This design of the Galactica is more slick compared to the one you designed for the Ron Moore's series.
Hope the feedback helped.
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Interesting project you have here. My wife and I were joking about what a book would look like if you took a loved series or a public domain property and asked a a group of artists/writers etc to re-imagine it.
Keep up the work!